Research Plan

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RESEARCH PLAN 2010-11
Final - Distribution

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Research Plan provides an overview of projects to be undertaken by the Research Branch during fiscal year 2010-11. It also includes a Multi-Year Plan (5 years) showing current project timeframes, projects that span multiple years, and new projects planned for inclusion in future Research Plans.

The plan provides concrete links to CSC’s five Strategic Priorities, the Program Activity Architecture (PAA), and the Corporate Risk Profile. Detailed information on the distribution of resources according to these corporate priorities has also been included.

The priority ranking of research projects was continued this year using a three point scale; low, moderate or high. In addition to the rating provided by the Research Branch sectors and regions were asked to provide a rating. All ratings were then combined to reflect project priority rating for the Service.

Research projects are conducted by the two divisions of the Research Branch, the Correctional Research Branch and the Addictions Research Centre. Key research areas for 2010-11 include the following:

• Mental health needs of offenders are being addressed through several ongoing studies on self-harm behaviours, research on co-occurring disorders, research examining the mental health needs of women offenders and continued work on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
• Employment research will examine foundations skills for employment, Corcan outcome indicators and employment needs assessments for Aboriginal offenders.
• Program development and program research include research examining effective correctional programming for women offenders, the Women's Violence Prevention Program (WVPP), as well as research on the Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM).
• Assessment and classification research projects to meet the needs of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders include the revalidation of the Custody Rate Scale, the field testing of the dynamic risk assessment tool for women, and continued research on the Women's Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (W-CASA), and continued research on the Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS) .
• Community research will focus on supervision of offenders in Community-based Residential Facilities (CRFs), offenders unlawfully at large, and research on the experiences of women offenders as they return to the community.
• Other key areas important to monitoring changes in the offender population include the further development of the simulation model, population forecasting and population profile studies.

I. Introduction

Context

The Research Plan for 2010-11 was developed to meet the operational and management needs of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), while remaining within the resources allocated to the Research Branch.

The mandate of research is to be forward looking, developing tools and approaches that will address the challenges of today and tomorrow. This requires looking at what has been done in the past and what is being done by others, so we can identify potential solutions. These solutions can then be tested through data analysis and simulation, or through pilot projects that see the new ideas implemented in a controlled or limited environment.

The Research Branch also provides analyses that impact the development of priorities, address the immediate data analysis needs of the Service, and contribute to the development of submissions to cabinet through the provision of information and advice. As such, our work is responsive to the broader government agenda. Government policy should not direct the results of research, but it may influence the topics of research as we address emerging issues of importance. The Branch must strive to balance its role as an innovator with its need to respond to current government and departmental initiatives.

The five priorities of the Correctional Service, listed below, are a key influence on the development of the Research Plan:

1. Safe transition of eligible offenders into the community
2. Safety and security for staff and offenders in our institutions
3. Enhanced capacities to provide effective interventions for First Nations, Métis and Inuit offenders
4. Improved capacities to address mental health needs of offenders
5. Strengthening management practices:
   1. Respond to the Public Service Employee Survey 2005
   2. Promote values and ethics
   3. Improve internal communications
   4. Strengthening human resources management

Approach

A number of research planning activities were completed in the development of the Research Plan. A review of CSC and government-wide reports was undertaken to establish the corporate and departmental context for CSC research. Documents reviewed included, for example, the Speech from the Throne, the Clerk’s Priorities, Canada’s Performance, and Report on Plans and Priorities for Public Safety, the National Parole Board (NPB), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Department of Justice.

In addition, an extensive review of departmental reports was also completed to ensure that the Research Plan reflects key areas of need and strategic concern to the Service. Documents reviewed for this activity included, for example, CSC’s Report on Plans and Priorities, the Departmental Performance Report, Management Accountability Framework assessment results, the Corporate Risk Profile (see Appendix B for the list of Corporate Risk Statements), the Evaluation Plan, as well as several Transformation reports. Other key documents reviewed included the annual report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator and documents outlining possible legislative changes with potential implications to the Service.

Although the priorities and activities of other departments may not directly impact CSC operations and the federal offender population, awareness of broader criminal justice issues provides an opportunity to identify research gaps and potential areas of interest for future research. Many areas of research identified for the 2010-2011 Research Plan are of relevance to the priorities and focus of other criminal justice agencies. For example, the Research Branch will be conducting research on community supervision, victims, management of different offender populations, Aboriginal corrections and research will continue on drug interdictions and gangs and organized crime.

During the fall and early winter the Research Branch reviewed ongoing research, proposals for new research and consulted with partners to determine the research projects that would be of greatest interest in fiscal year 20010-11. Based on these discussions, a preliminary research plan was developed and circulated to all sectors and regions for comment. Regions and sectors were asked to rate each of the proposed projects on a 3 point scale (low, moderate or high) and to provide any additional projects that they felt were needed. The ratings were then combined with those from the Research Branch to provide an overall priority rating for each project, as shown in the research plan.

Approval

The Research Plan will be reviewed by the Executive Committee (EXCOM) which provides the final approval of the Research Plan.

Co-ordination with the Evaluation Branch

The Research Plan is also discussed with colleagues in the Evaluation Branch to ensure a coordinated approach.

External Research

Internal research includes research conducted by the Research Branch as outlined in this document. It also includes research conducted by CSC regional staff following review and approval by the Director General of Research (DGR). In addition to the research projects presented in the plan, the Research Branch has reviewed 31 requests for research by external researchers.

Multi-year Projects

Research and program development activities often require many years of work. Multi-year projects are sometimes the result of studies that involve complex development and consultation activities, or can also result from the need to wait for sufficient data to be accumulated to measure outcome. In addition, projects that are recommended may not be undertaken in the first year detailed in this research plan, but will be undertaken in future years.

II The Research Branch

The primary role of the Research Branch is to conduct an applied program of research that advances effective and efficient corrections towards the goals of crime prevention and public protection. The work of the Research Branch is guided internally by the priorities of the Correctional Service (noted previously) and advice received by internal and external stakeholders.

Structure

The Research Branch is composed of two divisions: the Correctional Research Division, whose role is to conduct and disseminate research in order to enhance corrections policy development, programming and management practices on custody, care and reintegration services; and the Addictions Research Centre, which assists and advances the management of addictions and related issues within the Service. The Addictions Research Centre will be increasing its focus on mental health issues this year.

1. Correctional Research Division

In order to ensure the completion of the Branch’s wide research portfolio, the Correctional Research Division is composed of four sections:

1. Operational Research (OR)
   
   The Operational Research Section is responsible for research related to operational issues from intake assessment to correctional planning and case management, to the release process and the transition of offenders into the community. In the coming year, the Operational Research Section will continue to work on projects such as the revised Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis (DFIA) instrument, organized crime and gang related research, and the assessment of technological interventions in corrections. The section will also undertake research on the development of a longitudinal study of offenders to track movement, access to programs and interventions and outcomes.
   
   
2. Programming Research (PR)
   
   The Programming Research Section is responsible for research on treatment programs, analyses of factors related to successful correctional program participation and outcome, and analysis of measures of program participation. During the fiscal year 2010-11 this section will focus on several continuing projects such as the pilot for the Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS), the analysis of self-harm in men’s and women’s institutions, the preliminary outcome of the Integrated Correctional Program Model, and the monitoring of offenders with mental health disorders.
   
   
3. Women Offender Research (WO)
   
   The Women Offender Section provides research and analyses on issues specific to women offenders. During the fiscal year 2010-11, this section will continue its work on studies such as the assessment of the Women's Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) pilot, the development of an initial custody classification instrument for women, the examination of factors related to the successful Integration of Women Offenders (Therapeutic Alliance), and determining the validity and appropriateness of using the SRSW for Short review periods. Additionally, new projects will include the development of research framework examining the efficacy of the Women Offender Correctional Program (WO-CP), a study on programming and residential needs of women offenders in the community and the development and field testing of the Dynamic Risk Assessment Tool for women.
   
   
4. Statistics and Data Development (SDD)
   
   The Statistics and Data Development Section provides analyses of population trends in corrections and criminal justice, advanced statistical advice to the Branch and CSC partners and development and management of advanced data systems and methods of data presentation. During this year, the section will continue to focus on the further development of a simulation model that will more effectively predict offender population trends and characteristic, research will also be conducted on the rates of recidivism for various populations, population profile studies and population forecasting, as well as continued work on follow-up studies on the Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviour Survey.

2. Addictions Research Centre (ARC)

The Addiction Research Centre is responsible for program development and research in the area of substance abuse. The work of the Centre, supported by its three sections (Additions Research, Data Systems and Operations & Knowledge Mobilization), covers four broad areas: program development, program research, assessment and measurement, and knowledge exchange. Current initiatives include, among others, the continuation of the community follow-up of CSC’s Methadone Maintenance Program, the implementation of the Women’s Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (W-CASA), the integration of Substance Abuse (CASA), Mental Health (COMHISS) and FASD screening tools, and a study on the experiences of women offenders substance abuse program participants as they return to the community. New projects undertaken for the 2010-2011 FY include a study examining promising approaches to intervening with adults with FASD and other neurological disorders in a correctional setting, validation of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Brief Screen Checklist (BCS), and the development of substance abuse typologies among offenders.

III Project List

The following list of projects is organized according to Research Sections. Project descriptions are provided in the following section (Section IV).

• Operational Research
  • Follow up on Implementation of Revised Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis
  • Development of Longitudinal Study of Offenders to Track Movement, Access to Programs & Interventions and Outcomes
  • Development of a Recidivism Profile of CSC offenders - Reporting recidivism on the basis of gender, age, first-time federal offenders, and ethnocultural status
  • Review of CSC Assessment Instruments (tools & systems) to ensure effective identification of offender need and risk. FY 2010/11Custody Rating Scale Revalidation
  • Impact of Institutional Design and Climate on Offender Outcomes
  • International Roundtable for Correctional Excellence (IRCE). With Characteristics of Effective Correctional Programs, Successful Reintegration, and Community Support Programs
  • Victimization: Profile of Victims
  • Analysis of Offender who go Unlawfully at Large
  • Sexual Offenders with an LTSO Designation Residing in Community Correctional Centres (CCC's): Comparison to Other Groups Residing in CCC's
  • An Investigation of Team Supervision Units
  • Research Assessment of Technological Interventions in Corrections
  • Lifers - Community Outcome for Life Sentenced Offenders
  • Research on Gangs and Organized Crime including a Profile of Female Gang Offenders and Pathways to Gang Membership
  • Longitudinal Study of Ethnocultural Populations - Emerging Trends
  • Mental Illness, The Provision of Mental Health Services and Outcome Among Offenders Housed In an Ontario Based Community Correctional Centre
  • An Investigation of Serious Mental Illness in Community Correctional Centre's (CCC's)
  • Correctional Officer Research (a) Qualities of effective/highly functioning correctional officers (b) Correctional Officer careers(c) Pathways to Correctional Officer Careers for Aboriginal/ Ethnocultural/Women
• Women Offenders Research
  • Development of Initial Custody Classification Instrument for Women (Contract managed by WOS)
  • An assessment of the Women's Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Pilot
  • Examining Factors Related to the Successful Integration of Women Offenders: The Role of the Construct of Therapeutic Alliance
  • Examining the Pathways to Sexual Offences by Women
  • Development of Research Framework Examining the Efficacy of the Women Offender Correctional Program (WO-CP)
  • Programming and Residential Needs of Women Offenders in the Community
  • Development and Field Testing of Dynamic Risk Assessment Tool for Women
  • Effective Correctional Programming for Women Offenders
  • Determining the Validity and Appropriateness of using the SRSW for Short Review Periods
  • Profile of the Mental Health Needs of Women Offenders
  • An Examination of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy within Women's Secure Units
• Programs Research
• Preliminary Outcome of the Integrated Correctional Program Model
• Validation of the Generic Program Performance Measure (GPPM)
• Factors related to outcomes in Education Programs: Educational Attainment and Recidivism
• Outcome for Diverse Populations in Correctional Programs, including Aboriginals
• Profile and Program Needs of Male Sex Offenders
• Profile and Program Needs of Domestic Violence Offenders
• Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS): 1) Validation of Cutoff Scores; 2) Results of the Pilot of Additional Tools to Screen for low IQ and ADHD
• Results of the Pilot of CoMHISS for FSW
• Foundation Skills for Employment (Joint research with HRSDC)
• Corcan Outcome Indicators
• Monitoring of Offenders with Mental Health Disorders: Outcomes and Correctional Response
• Self-harm – Analysis of Self-Harm in Men’s Institutions
• Self-harm – Analysis of Self-Harm in Women’s Institutions
• Co-occurring disorders – Treatment Approaches for Concurrent Disorders (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) in Correctional Settings
• Statistics & Data Development
  • Development of a Simulation Model that will more Effectively Predict Offender Population Trends and Characteristic in Order to Improve Corporate Planning
  • Population Forecasting
  • Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviour Survey – Women’s Report
  • Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviour Survey – Aboriginal Report
  • Relationships between Infectious Disease Testing, Health Risk-Behaviours, and Perceived Risk among Canadian Federal Inmates
  • Analysis of CSC’s Infectious Diseases Surveillance System
  • Population Profile Studies (Changing offender population, changing aboriginal offender population, community population profile, etc.)
• Additions Research Centre
  • "Finding their Way" - Documenting the Experiences of Women Offenders Substance Abuse Program Participants as they Return to the Community
  • Community Follow-up of Offenders Participating in CSC’s Methadone Maintenance Program
  • Implementation of the Women’s Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (W-CASA)
  • An Examination of Prescription Drug Use and Diversion for Non-Medical Use in Prison
  • Examination of Recent Trends in Urinalysis Data and Substance Abuse Among Federal Offenders
  • Multi-Site Demonstration Study to Explore the Effectiveness of Interdiction Practices (i.e., ion scanners, drug dogs, search and seizure practices, random urinalysis program)
  • Characteristics, Institutional Adjustment and Substance Abuse Programming Outcomes Among Pharmaceutical Drug Abusers, Illicit Drug Abusers and Alcohol Abusers
  • Profiling the Substance Abuse Histories of Male Offenders
  • Development of Substance Abuse Typologies Among Offenders
  • Assessing Correctional Needs of Inuit Peoples
  • Employment Needs Assessment for Aboriginal Offenders
  • Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program: An Examination of Cultural Engagement and Outcomes
  • Integration of Substance Abuse (CASA), Mental Health (COMHISS) and FASD Screening Tool
  • A Study to Examine Promising Approaches to Intervening with Adults with FASD and Other Neurological Disorders in a Correctional Setting
  • Validation of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Brief Screen Checklist (BSC)
  • Women and FASD: Examination of the Feasibility of Creating an FASD Screening Tool for Women Offenders
  • National Summer Institute on Addictions

 

IV. Project Descriptions

The following project descriptions are organized by Research Section and CSC’s five strategic priorities.

Follow up on Implementation of Revised Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis

Project Scope & Objectives:

The Dynamic Factor Identification and Analysis (DFIA) component of the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA) process is the primary instrument for assessing dynamic risk factors upon offenders’ admission to federal custody. The revised assessment was introduced in the context of the implementation of the Offender Intake Assessment - Revised (OIA-R) and the Offender Management System (OMS) Release 1.05 in September 2009.

The proposed study follows on research completed in 2009-2010 which involved a pre-launch data collection that would provide a comparison base to assess changes to dynamic needs assessment at intake. Research for FY 2010-11will involve interviews with institutional Parole Officers (PO) and Managers of Assessment and Interventions (MAI) and may include other methods of self-report (e.g., focus groups or a survey).
This study will examine staff perceptions of the implementation of the Revised DFIA, including issues such as staff training and changes to the OMS screens for DFIA-R.

This research is important as the DFIA is a key method of offender assessment, and the results will inform the revision and implementation of assessment tools in the future.

Research Product:

Pre-Post Implementation Report - March, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate, Women Offenders Sector, Ethnocultural Programs, Institutional Reintegration, Reintegration Programs, Community Reintegration, Offender Management System, Intake/Parole Officer staff, Regions and Institutions.

Status: Continuance

Development of Longitudinal Study of Offenders to Track Movement, Access to Programs & Interventions and Outcomes

Project Scope & Objectives:

There is a significant gap in our knowledge of long term offender outcomes. The proposed study creates a group or cohort of offenders and will follow them throughout their institutional and community placements to better understand the factors associated with successful outcomes.

This study involves the random selection of a cohort of male offenders admitted between 2011 through 2015 (e.g., up to 200 cases per year) and uses self-report questionnaires and other instruments to collect information on a number of different topics that align with CSC priorities, such as; (1) Correctional Programming, (2) Violence Reduction (e.g., both within the institutions and when these offenders are released), and; (3) Physical and mental health (e.g., including self-reported behaviours).

Institutional and community outcomes of this cohort would be followed for years (e.g., institutional misconduct, pathways to release, returns to custody, and community behaviour including readmission or re-offending). CPIC data would be used to supplement OMS and the self-report data.

This is a long-term research study that will require comparatively little resources during the initial years of the study, and while several profiles may be completed prior to 2015, a key goal of this study is to produce a data set that enables researchers to better understand offender behaviour years into the future.

Research Product:

Year one will involve extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders, including representatives from the academic community: there will be no publications in the initial years of the project.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Academic Community, Public Safety Canada.

Status: New Project

Development of a Recidivism Profile of CSC offenders - Reporting recidivism on the basis of gender, age, first-time federal offenders, and ethnocultural status

Project Scope & Objectives:

Recidivism research typically reports one statistic for an entire correctional system (e.g., X percentage of offenders return to custody within three years). A number of jurisdictions, such as the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, are changing their recidivism reporting to better account for differences based on gender, offence history (e.g., whether the offender has been incarcerated previously), seriousness of current offence, ethnocultural status and age. By disaggregating recidivism based on these offender characteristics, policy-makers have a better understanding of the scope of the problem.

Data from offenders admitted to the CSC from 2002 to 2006 has already been collected as part of a study conducted for Public Safety in 2009-2010. Offender recidivism will be disaggregated based on gender, age, first-time federal offender status, and ethnocultural status. Some U.S. prison systems have used upwards of a dozen classifications to better understand the “nuances” of offender recidivism.

Research Product:

Outcome research report - December 31, 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Review of CSC Assessment Instruments (tools & systems) to ensure effective identification of offender need and risk. FY 2010/11 Custody Rating Scale Revalidation.

Project Scope & Objectives:

Assessment instruments must be revalidated to ensure that they are accurately measuring what they are designed and intended to measure – especially in light of a changing offender profile/population. In fiscal year 2010-2011, the Research Branch plans to validate the Custody Rating Scale.

The Offender Management System (OMS) data will be used to validate the Custody Rating Scale: ensuring that it is a valid indicator of offender risk.

Each year a different assessment tool will be revalidated: The current strategy will be to validate the Security Rating Scale in FY 2011-12; Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale in FY 2012-2013, and the Revised DFIA in 2013-2014.

Research Product:

CRS Revalidation report - December 31, 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: Continuance

Impact of Institutional Design and Climate on Offender Outcomes

Project Scope & Objectives:

The Facilities Branch is interested in better understanding the impact of different architectural designs on inmate behaviour – especially as it pertains to medium security facilities. This is important in terms of future plans for facility designs and the possible retrofitting of current facilities.

In order to better understand offender behaviours, the CSC will develop an indicator of institutional functioning or performance such as the social climate survey (self-report surveys of offenders and staff members). This instrument will be used to evaluate the perceptions of inmates and staff members toward facility functioning. If survey items from the Bureau of Prisons Social Climate survey instrument are used, it will enable comparisons with correctional systems in the U.K. and U.S. The 2010-2011 study will focuses upon medium security facilities throughout the five CSC regions.

Research Product:

Performance/Functioning Indicators - March 31, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Facilities Branch

Status: New Project

International Roundtable for Correctional Excellence (IRCE). With Characteristics of Effective Correctional Programs, Successful Reintegration, and Community Support Programs

Project Scope & Objectives:

One of the most significant challenges for correctional systems is the safe transition and management of offenders in the community. Toward that goal, there is also interest in cross-national comparisons of the relative success of different programmatic approaches to successful community reintegration. The International Roundtable for Correctional Excellence, an international group of senior correctional leaders, has proposed that a comparative study of recidivism be conducted.

The proposed study will involve a comparison of offender outcomes on parole (and the relationships between correctional programming and these outcomes) in at least five nations.

The (proposed) final product will be a monograph with a chapter for each participating nation that compares correctional practices and programming and community outcomes (parole success/failure).

Research Product:

Outcome research report - tentative completion date of March 31 (completion is contingent upon participation of the other four nations invited).

Collaboration and/or Partners

International Roundtable on Correctional Excellence – member nations.

Status: New Project

Victimization: Profile of Victims

Project Scope & Objectives:

To date, there have been no Research Branch studies conducted on victims. The creation of a profile of victims who may be more vulnerable (e.g., children) is important for the development of services for this group. In order to reduce risk to Victims, services should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the population, which in turn contributes to increased public safety.

The Offender Management System (OMS) data will be used to develop a profile of two populations: Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Victims (persons under 18 years of age). The profile will be based on a sample that is derived from 25 cases selected by each of 25 Victim Services Officers (VSO), which will provide a sample of approximately 500 - 600 cases for both the Children and Domestic Violence victims. Of special interest will be the characteristics of these two groups, including: Demographic characteristics and Victim-offender relationships.

Research Product:

Profile of victims of domestic violence and child victims. - March 31, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Victims Services Branch, CSC National Victims Advisory Committee, Canadian Families and Corrections Network.

Status: New Project

Analysis of Offender who go Unlawfully at Large

Project Scope & Objectives:

There is a need to better understand the characteristics of offenders who go unlawfully at large as this group is likely to be at greater risk of recidivism – therefore posing an elevated risk to public safety. In addition, by better understanding the characteristics of this group, the Service can develop programmatic interventions to reduce the likelihood of being unlawfully at large.

This exploratory study will examine the prevalence and demographic and offence-related characteristics of offenders who are unlawfully at large from their statutory release.

Research Product:

Brief Profile - December 31, 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners

N/A

Status: Continuance

Sexual Offenders with an LTSO Designation Residing in Community Correctional Centres (CCC's): Comparison to Other Groups Residing in CCC's

Project Scope & Objectives:

The present research will extend the results of a previous study related to Community Correctional Centres (CCC’s) and Community Residential Facilities (CRF’s).

All sexual offenders with a Long Term Supervision Order (LTSO) designation who were identified in an earlier investigation conducted by our team will be compared on a large number of variables related to risk and need to a group of offenders living at CCC’s who were classified as Statutory Release Cases (SR Group) and Parolees. SR cases and Parolees who were currently serving sentences for sexual offences will be removed from the dataset.

Earlier findings reported by our team suggest that LTSO designated sexual offenders have a similar risk profile to the SR group but a very different need profile. The present investigation will allow for closer examination of these issues.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

An Investigation of Team Supervision Units

Project Scope & Objectives:

The Team Supervision Units (TSU) have operated for a number of years and yet there is very little research as to efficacy of these units. Although many persons working in the community believe that these programs have been very beneficial in terms of the management of high risk groups of offenders there is little in the way of empirical research in support of such assertions.

The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the impact of the Team Supervision Units which operate in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. These units have been designed to offer a more intensive level of supervision versus typical supervision practices. However, there have not been any comprehensive evaluations of these programs. In order to determine the efficacy of these programs, lists of all offenders seen by the three specialized units for the current year will be compared to a sample of offenders from a parole office in each of the three districts. The TSU subjects will than be compared to these comparison group subjects with reference to a number of domains. Information about risk will be collected based both upon GSIR data and data contained within CPPR reports. As well, information about mental health background, failure on prior release, suspensions, history of institutional segregation and frequency of contact between the parole officer and the offender will be collected. Interviews with the three District Directors responsible for each of the three respective units will also be conducted with a view to understanding the benefits of these programs for staff working in the community. Any suggestions offered by the District Director’s for how these units might be improved will also be offered.

If the TSU's are found to be effective this will provide the organization with valuable information in support of the additional expenses associated with these programs in comparison to more general types of supervision. As well, information collected regarding the management practices of the TSU's may be applied to other types of supervision settings (e.g., strategies to mange high risk groups of offenders who present as resistant).

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Staff at each of the three Team Supervision Units.

Status: Continued

Research Assessment of Technological Interventions in Corrections.

Project Scope & Objectives:

There is an increasing reliance on technology in corrections, including applications for security, offender management, and programming. One method of increasing our understanding of technological applications is to survey large correctional systems to determine what technological applications and innovations are effective.

We will therefore undertake a review of innovations in technology in the field of corrections, including; (1) Operational efficiency and effectiveness, and (2) Operational safety. The review will include information about the effectiveness of these applications of technology, including information about testing and evaluations (where available). Jurisdictions in Canada and the United States (e.g., state correctional systems and large jails) will be surveyed.

Research Product:

Review - March 31, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Security Branch, Technical Services Branch, Facilities Branch, U.S. National Institute of Justice (Technology division).

Status: Continuance (This project was delayed in 2009 due to the requirement of having Ministerial approval for public opinion research).

Lifers - Community Outcome for Life Sentenced Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

Lifers represent almost 23% of the CSC population, and recent research shows that this group is growing at the rate of about 100 offenders per year. A larger proportion of Lifers is now under conditional release in the community than was the case a decade ago. By better understanding the factors associated with parole revocation and re-offending the Service can develop better programmatic interventions to ensure the safe transition of these offenders into the community. This is important as the Service will supervise these life-sentenced offenders for the rest of their lives.

The proposed study will examine community outcomes of these offenders who have been conditionally released (parole outcomes and recidivism). The foundations for this study have already been completed, and the proposed study will extend the previous empirical work using survival analyses.

Research Product:

Outcome Research - December 31, 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Community Engagement

Status: Continuance: This is an extension of the 2009-10 project (Snapshot and changing profile).

Research on Gangs and Organized Crime including a Profile of Female Gang Offenders and Pathways to Gang Membership

Project Scope & Objectives:

Gangs represent a significant challenge for institutional operations, and once returned to the community, they are at comparatively higher risk of having their parole revoked or recidivism. As such, it is important to better understand the characteristics of these groups, including their structure, leadership, and how these offenders became gang affiliated.

A number of projects started in 2009-2010 will be completed in the 2010-2011 fiscal year, including: (1) A profile of women gang members using OMS data, and (2) A qualitative study of the pathways toward gang membership, as well as soliciting the perceptions of former gang members about different strategies that might reduce gang affiliation and association. The pathways to gang membership report will be completed by Mount Royal University.

Research Product:

Female gang profile - August 30, 2010
Pathways study - October 31, 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Security Branch, Mount Royal University (Calgary),

Status: Continuance (The pathways study was postponed in 2009-2010 order to obtain Ministerial approval for public opinion research).

Longitudinal Study of Ethnocultural Populations - Emerging Trends

Project Scope & Objectives:

An informal study of offender populations showed that there was a significant increase in the size of the Black penitentiary populationbetween 2004 and 2009. A review of other ethnocultural populations (e.g.., Latino, Arab, East Asian) also showed significant increases. Initial examination of the Black population revealed that much of the increase came from the Ontario region and that the proportion of gang involved offenders had increased during that era. It is plausible that gang involvement may have contributed to a higher percentage of inmates who are Black. Better understanding population dynamics will enable the Service to develop stronger ethnocultural programs.

The Offender Management System (OMS) data will be used to track the populations of ethnocultural populations over time (e.g., since 1990s). In addition to populations tracking, we propose that a closer examination of gang membership be completed, as well as the identification of the prevalence of ethnocultural populations in the five CSC regions, and the comparison with trends in the general Canadian ethnocultural population.

This study will produce a report on the changes in the CSC ethnocultural populations (both community and institutional) from the 1990s to 2010.

Research Product

Profile and trends - December 31, 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Mental Illness, the Provision of Mental Health Services and Outcome Among Offenders Housed In an Ontario Based Community Correctional Centre

Project Scope & Objectives:

Very little research has been conducted in relation to rates of serious mental illness of offenders housed at the various CCC’s across the country.

It is proposed that an examination of the rates of serious mental illness at Keele CCC be conducted. The selection of this site was chosen as diagnostic information for all offenders residing at the Keele CCC were previously retrieved for those living at this facility in 2007-2008. A review of information contained in both the psychology files and Offender Management System (OMS) was conducted with a view to retrieving relevant diagnostic information (e.g., whether the offender had been diagnosed with an Axis I or Axis II based DSM-IV-TR disorder). Information will also be collected as to whether the offenders with serious mental illness, who were residing at the CCC, had Statutory Release with Residency (SRR) conditions. Information as to the number of Long Term Supervision Order (LTSO) offenders being housed at the CCC’s as well as any mental health concerns evidenced by this group will be retrieved. Information from the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA) database will be compared to the information obtained from both the psychology files and other OMS based documentation. The relationship between mental illness and outcome (i.e., suspensions, revocations, new offences) will also be examined.

The profile will be of assistance in helping the service manage groups of high risk/high need offenders more effectively. As well, the data may be of value in helping to understand the nature of offenders who are released with residency conditions and whether those offenders released with residency conditions can be categorized into one or more groups reliably. It is possible that, if the data suggest that there are several distinct groups of offenders with residency conditions, other ways of managing certain groups of offenders with residency can be suggested.

Research Product:

Profile/Outcome report - (TBD)

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Community Operations Sector, Health Services, Regions, Community Reintegration.

Status: New Project

An Investigation of Serious Mental Illness in Community Correctional Centre's (CCC's)

Project Scope & Objectives:

The issue of mental illness among offenders in the community has received relatively little attention in the Canadian context. Given the increasing incidence of mental illness among offenders in general it is important to know more about the extent of the problem among offenders living in the community. As well, the issue of Statutory Release with Residency (SRR) has received very little attention by CSC other than to note that this has become an ever more significant problem for the organization. It may be that these two topics are linked in that offenders with serious mental health concerns may be more likely to receive residency conditions regardless of their risk level. As well, offenders with Long Term Supervision Order (LTSO) designations (many of whom appear to suffer from mental health problems) may be more likely to receive residency conditions.

In order to investigate these potentially interlinked topics, one CCC from each region will be selected for inclusion in the present study. Both psychology files and Offender Management System (OMS) will be reviewed for information in relation to mental health diagnoses, recent psychiatric symptomatolgy including a recent history of self-harm or threats of self-harm, whether the offender is under an LTSO designation, and whether the offender is housed at the CCC under an SRR condition. Information as to the offender’s level of risk will also be collected from OMS. Data will also be collected from the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA). Where necessary, parole officers who have worked with the offenders will be asked to provide additional detail regarding the offender’s history.

Results of the investigation will be used to help manage offenders in the community more effectively and to suggest improvements as to how the mental health needs of offenders can be addressed.

Research Product:

Profile - (TBD)

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A.

Status: Continuance / New Project

Correctional Officer Research (a) Qualities of effective/highly functioning correctional officers (b) Correctional Officer careers(c) Pathways to Correctional Officer Careers for Aboriginal/ Ethnocultural/Women

Project Scope & Objectives:

Correctional officers represent the largest staffing component in the Service, and the Service has been recruiting and training upwards of 1,000 officers per year. Of special interest to the CSC are the qualities of effective correctional officers and how we can best recruit these officers. Second, there has been comparatively little attention paid to the pathways to correctional officer careers (e.g., what motivates persons from non-traditional groups such as women or Aboriginal persons to become correctional officers). Last, we have comparatively little empirical evidence about the characteristics of correctional officer careers, including the average length of service and turnover (e.g., where do these officers go after the CSC).

A number of different methodological approaches will be used to examine correctional officer careers, including:

A) Human Resource records will be used to profile the demographic and workplace characteristics of highly performing correctional officers.

B) Human Resource records will be used to “profile” correctional officers including issues such as; (i) Turnover/Retention, (ii) Career development and length of service, and what happens to these officers after they leave their Correctional Officer positions (e.g., do they stay in the CSC or move to other government departments).

C) Pathways to Aboriginal/Ethnocultural/Women Correctional Officer Careers. Self-report surveys could be distributed to staff members, asking respondents about the factors that led them to apply for jobs with the CSC and solicit suggestions on how to enhance recruiting efforts. Comparisons could be made of members of Aboriginal, Ethnocultural, or Women Correctional Officers with other groups.

Research Product:

Correctional Officers Profile (including profile of high performing officers) - March 31, 2011
Pathways to Correctional Officer careers - March 31, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Human Resources

Status: New Project

Development of Initial Custody Classification Instrument for Women (Contract managed by WOS)

Project Scope & Objectives:

This research contributes to the Service’s commitment to develop gender-specific measurement instruments from the ground up; thereby ensuring that the Service has an appropriate classification instrument for women offenders.

The project is managed by the Women Offender’s Sector. The Research Branch provides consultation on research related issues. The tool is currently being piloted in view of eventual field-testing, assessment of results, improvements, and implementation.

This initiative will result in a gender-specific research instrument that will be applied with women offenders. This will provide the service with a valid and reliable classification tool.

During FY 2009-10, the draft scale pilot was completed. This involved administering the scale to 200 women and statistically analyzing its ability to predict institutional adjustment, escape risk, and risk to the public. It is anticipated that during the FY 2010-11 the field-test of the scale will be conducted.

Research Product:

Field test results - February 2012

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Offender Programs and Reintegration

Status: Continuance

An assessment of the Women's Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) Pilot

Project Scope & Objectives:

There is increasing evidence to suggest that women offenders are exhibiting higher levels of violent behaviour. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that more women are entering the federal system with violent offences and violent histories. This provides evidence for the need of a Violence Prevention Program specific for women. Research on this program will permit the service to understand the effectiveness of this program and contribute to on-going program improvement.

Pilots of the WVPP began in February 2008. Data collection (in-program) is being completed throughout pilot periods. The research will include the analysis of post-release outcome data. This requires a significant data collection period as women who have been involved in the program are released and adequate time for post-release follow-up is achieved.

This research will contribute to our understanding of the effectiveness of WVPP and provide information pertinent to program management. Plans include an interim report for January and an eventual follow-up outcome report; thereby permitting the attainment of appropriate sample sizes.

Research Product:

Interim pilot report - April 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offenders Sector, Offender Programs and Reintegration

Status: Continuance

Examining Factors Related to the Successful Integration of Women Offenders: The Role of the Construct of Therapeutic Alliance

Project Scope & Objectives:

Given the changing offender population and the ever changing nature of dynamic security within our institutions, it is important to understand the role of working, and therapeutic, alliances formed between staff and offenders.

Current programs developed specifically for women are grounded in Miller’s women-centered relational cultural theory (RCT) of psychological development. This study will investigate the extent to which therapeutic relationships between parole officers (and other CSC staff) and women offenders are characterized by healthy connections as defined by RCT. The construct of therapeutic alliance and its potential impact on women’s institutional adjustment and rehabilitation will be assessed.

It is expected that the results will provide insight into how to better enhance program and institutional outcomes which will in turn facilitate safe transition into the community.

Research Products:

Report outlining application/relevance of the construct of Therapeutic Alliance - August 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offenders Sector, Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate, Carleton University

Status: Continuance

Examining the Pathways to Sexual Offences by Women

Project Scope & Objectives:

There is increasing research evidence to suggest that the pathways to sexual offending are different for women and men. Research in this area is critical to ensure that we understand pathways to sexual offending specific to women.

This is a collaborative undertaking with researchers from Kent University of the United Kingdom (UK). Existing methodology utilized by researchers in the UK will be implemented with Canadian Female Sex Offenders. More specifically, OMS data pertaining to women with a previous or current offence involving a sexual element is being analyzed and these women are being asked to participate in an interview to discuss the context and contributing factors relating to their offence(s) from a pathways perspective.

This research will provide a gender-specific descriptive model of the offence process for female sex offenders incorporating cognitive, behavioral, affective, and contextual factors. It will contribute empirically based evidence for program planning and application.

Research Product:

Research outlining gender-specific descriptive model of the offence process - December 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Offender Programs and Reintegration, Health Sector, University of Kent (UK)

Status: Continuance

Development of Research Framework Examining the Efficacy of the Women Offender Correctional Program (WO-CP)

Project Scope & Objectives:

The WO-CP is a new program being developed for implementation with women offenders. The implementation of a Research Framework at the time of pilot commencement will ensure that data are available when official research is required to demonstrate program success.

This initiative will involve the development and implementation of a comprehensive research assessment battery; which will include on-going consultation and collaboration with program developers and facilitators.

The product of this research will be the successful implementation of an assessment battery which will permit the measurement of outcomes once the programming has been up and running for a number of years.

Research Product:

Research Framework will be complete for Pilot Implementation which is still being determined by Women Offender Programs.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Women Offender Programs.

Status: New Project

Programming and Residential Needs of Women Offenders in the Community

Project Scope & Objectives:

A review of the Community Based Residential Facilities and existing research highlights a significant need to better understand the programming, residential, and general needs of women offenders in the community.

The current research will focus on the needs of women in the community and will implicate community and institutional parole officers who will have the most direct knowledge in this regard. It is anticipated that this research will span over two years; however preliminary research framework suggests that the current year will result in a community profile of women, including an understanding of where women are being released (facilitated by visual mapping technology). Furthermore, it is anticipated that results from a comprehensive survey conducted with parole officers will be analyzed and disseminated.

Research Product:

Profile and a preliminary assessment of women offender needs as identified by community and institutional parole officers - July 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Community Reintegration, Aboriginal Initiatives

Status: New Project

Development and Field Testing of Dynamic Risk Assessment Tool for Women

Project Scope & Objectives:

The Dynamic Risk Assessment tool for women will be used to manage risk by informing National Parole Board (NPB) and Parole Officers (PO) decision-making, thereby impacting community safety. Its dynamic nature will ensure that the tool is representative of changes in women’s risk profiles.

The objective is to field test the previously developed gender-informed assessment tool used to predict risk of re-offending upon release to community. Field testing will involve multi-year initiative. Research for FY 2010-11 will consist of field consultation for the eventual training on the implementation of the instrument for field testing purposes. End timeframes will be determined based on sample size achieved.

Research Product:

Prototype Assessment Instrument - TBD
Field Test Results - TBD

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offenders Sector

Status: Continuance / New Project

Effective Correctional Programming for Women Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

Given ever present changes to our programming approaches with women offenders, it is critical to understand what programs have respected the principles of effective correctional programming and gender-specific programming. Gaining knowledge in this area will ensure that program developers have empirical evidence to support their decision-making process.

This project involves coding correctional programs for women (Violence Prevention and Women Offender Substance Abuse Programs) according to ‘gender neutral’ criteria set out in the Correctional Program Assessment Inventory (CPAI) and according to criteria for ‘Gender-responsive’ programs (Covington and Bloom).

Research will provide empirical evidence pertaining to programming characteristics and their implementation in existing women offender programs. This will in turn provide insight for on-going and future program development.

Research Product:

Validation study of successful implementation of principles of effective correctional programming - September 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Women Offender Programs, Academics

Status: Continuance

Determining the Validity and Appropriateness of using the SRSW for Short Review Periods

Project Scope & Objectives:

This research is an examination which will indicate whether SRSW continues to be valid for reviews of short periods (e.g., three months). It will assist in determining if the SRSW can be appropriately employed, for example, three months after being classified as maximum security.

The study will involve an in-depth analysis of all SRSW that were completed with a review period of shorter than three months.

The outcomes of this research will contribute to our knowledge of the validity and reliability of the SRSW for short review periods; thereby contributing to the determination of appropriate utilization of this instrument. If validity and reliability is not demonstrated, it will be suggested that the SRSW is no longer used for these short review periods.

Research Product:

Tool validation/report - February 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offenders Sector, Offender Programs and Reintegration (Institutional Reintegration)

Status: Continuance

Profile of the Mental Health Needs of Women Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

Research demonstrates increasing numbers of offenders presenting with mental health issues. At the same time, data pertaining to prevalence rates of mental health issues is not readily accessible. In order to meet the needs of offenders suffering with mental health needs it is critical to understand prevalence rates.

This research will result in a profile of DSM-IV mental health diagnoses for women offenders using the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule (C-DIS). In addition to diagnoses we will report on the prevalence of antisocial and borderline personality traits and interpersonal styles using the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Selected information concerning impairment and recency of diagnosis will also be reported. Dependant on sample size, analyses will be run separately for Aboriginal women.

This research will provide a profile of mental health needs of women offenders. All women offenders will be targeted and where feasible, results will be broken out by Aboriginal / non-Aboriginal status.

Research Product:

Profile of mental health needs of women - November 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Health Services, Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate

Status: Continuance

An Examination of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy within Women's Secure Units

Project Scope & Objectives:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is one component of the Intensive Intervention Strategy. This strategy contributes to meeting the needs of women presenting with the most challenging intervention requirements. Better understanding the outcomes of DBT within a Secure Unit contributes to the operational decision-making process and better meeting the needs of these women.

Research on DBT for women is being extended to include an assessment of the approach within the Secure Units. It will include primarily quantitative analysis of in-program and outcome data. These analyses will help inform the Service on the effectiveness of DBT with female offenders classified as maximum security.

Research Product:

Report on outcomes as they relate to the success of DBT with women in maximum security environments - June 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector, Health Services, Evaluation.

Status: Continuance

Preliminary Outcome of the Integrated Correctional Program Model

Project Scope & Objectives:

CSC is undertaking a potential reconceptualisation of how correctional programs would be delivered. A demonstration project is underway in the Pacific region that involves delivery of a generic program to address the needs of a range of offending behaviours. Research is needed to determine whether this model reduces recidivism and realises the efficiencies that are proposed.

A research framework was developed in 2009-2010 to outline the methodology that would be used to assess the efficacy of the Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM). The preliminary outcome research will look at efficiencies that can be realized in applying this model as opposed to the current program menu. Outcomes are limited to the Pacific region where the demonstration project is being delivery. The ICPM will be assessed relative to its key objectives: a) to increase Correctional Program access, b) to increase correctional program availability, c) to maximize correctional program delivery, d) to increase rates of correctional program participation and completion; and e) to reduce costs related to training of trainers and delivery staff.

Research Product:

Preliminary outcomes related to the implementation of the new program model - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Reintegration Programs, Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate

Status: New Project

Validation of the Generic Program Performance Measure (GPPM)

Project Scope & Objectives:

The Generic Program Performance Measure (GPPM) has been implemented over the last 4 years in most of the correctional programs. It is administered pre and post program participation. Preliminary research has assessed the inter-rater reliability of the tool and the internal consistency (Vandermey, 2009). Research is needed to examine the psychometric properties of the tool and its relationship to program outcome and outcomes on release.

Data will be collected for all the GPPM measures completed for individual offenders since its implementation. For many offenders, this will mean multiple administrations so the GPPM results will need to be separated by program area. Follow up data from CPIC will be available for a portion of these offenders who have been released.

The research will look at the factor analysis of the measure; the inter-relationship of scale scores and individual items; the relationship of scale scores and items to program outcome (successful completion; drop out) and finally, the pre and post scores’ relationship to post release recidivism. We will examine whether the assessment closest to release is a better predictor of outcome and whether pre or post assessment scores are better predictors of outcome. Depending on the data set, we may be able to look at comparative change across program areas and its relationship to outcome and the agreement of the GPPM scale scores with other pre and post measures administered in during the program.

Research Products:

Psychometric review and revised measure - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Reintegration Programs, Performance Measurement

Status: Continuance

Factors related to outcomes in Education Programs: Educational Attainment and Recidivism

Project Scope & Objectives:

Education interventions are the single most subscribed program in the CSC. Research is required to determine which offenders are most likely to benefit from the education program (i.e., those who improve their Grade level achievement) and whether those who benefit realize improvement in reductions in recidivism relative to those who do not increase their Grade level.

The study will identify two groups of federal offenders who have been involved in education programs while in custody: 1) the first will be all offenders who have been assigned to an education intervention over a 5 year period. This section of the report will profile the general attainment of offenders in the education programs over given time periods (attainment within 1 year of incarceration; 2 years and prior to release) and relate the achievement to profiling information that is available (mental health variables, cognitive variables, learning disability; ethnic group; age) ;2) The second part of the study will follow a historical group of offenders who were in an education program and have been released to determine whether education attainment is related to reductions in recidivism and to job placement in the community. Attempt will be made to link educational attainment to their relative success in Correctional Programs. This is a within group design that will report separately for women and Aboriginal offenders. The source of the data will be OMS and education specific reports.

The results of this research will point to the relative contribution of education achievement to reductions in recidivism and to employability.

Research Product:

Offender profile and program - March 2011
Outcome results - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Reintegration Programs, Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate

Status: New Project

Outcome for Diverse Populations in Correctional Programs, including Aboriginal Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

CSC offenders represent a broad range of ethnic backgrounds. Some critics have suggested that the current correctional model is not appropriate for all ethnic groups. Research is required to determine whether there is a differential response to the current program model for various ethnic groups.

This research will be conducted as a three part project: 1) A review the literature on the responsivity of ethnic groups to a cognitive behavioural model of intervention. The literature review will focus as much as possible on results based on correctional interventions. A paper prepared by Reintegration Programs for the Responsivity Portal will form the basis of this project; 2) A review all the research on Program outcomes conducted within CSC to determine the relative outcome of various ethnic groups. If the information is available we will initiate a meta-analysis of these results; 3) a review of base rates of various types of re-offending for several ethnic groups that will allow comparisons in the design of research studies.

This project was launched through the Responsivity Portal initiative by Reintegration Programs and will incorporate those results into the current project. The results will determine the relative base rates of reoffending across ethnic groups and the relative response of ethnic groups to a cognitive behavioural model of intervention.

Research Product:

Base rates for re-offending by diversity background and profile and literature review - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners

Reintegration Programs, Aboriginal Initiative Directorate

Status: New Project

Profile and Program Needs of Male Sex Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

The project is in response to a request by the developers of Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM). The aim is to explore whether offenders with an identified paraphilia(s) present unique challenges for treatment and need a unique program response, relative to other sex offenders. There is also need to determine if sex offenders in general have criminogenic needs that require targeted program outside the specific area of sexual offending.

The initial phase of the project will involve investigating the possibility of producing aggregate statistics across the following five areas: Overall prevalence of types of sex offending, involvement in programming, institutional adjustment issues, patterns of release, post-release behaviour using key indicators (i.e., suspension, revocation, arrest, reconviction). Descriptive as well as statistical methodologies will be employed to address the five areas, but only if current data systems and methods of assessment allow for an accurate identification of overall prevalence. If identification is possible, the product will be a short research brief designed to specifically answer the above noted. If the research is unable to identify paraphilias in the federal population, the research will focus on the general description of the sex offender population and its program needs.

A second section of the research will look at the overall profile of sex offenders in CSC to provide information on what programming needs they have in addition to those related to sex offending. The study will review the risk and need profile, the extent of substance abuse and the extent of violent offending. A secondary analysis will determine to what extent the group would meet the referral criteria for other correctional programs.

Research Product:

Report on paraphilias - April 2010
Sexual offender population profile (draft) - May 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Reintegration Programs, Correctional Operations and Programs

Status: Continuance

Profile and Program Needs of Domestic Violence Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

The project is in response to a request by the developers of Integrated Correctional Program Model (ICPM). It will explore the question of whether offenders whose violence is aimed at intimate partners present unique challenges for treatment and need a unique program response relative to other offenders.

Current data systems allow for the identification of offenders who have participated in the family violence programming and for offenders identified with a history of spousal abuse (through evaluation on the SARA). The pool of participants includes Aboriginal offenders. Potential analyses include: overall prevalence of domestic violence offenders; involvement in programming; institutional adjustment issues; patterns of release; post-release behaviour using key indicators (i.e., suspension, revocation, arrest, reconviction).

Potential profiling information includes: A risk-need profile describing the extent of the population’s substance abuse problems, extent of domestic violence, extent of violent offending and other patterns of offending, evidence of serious mental health issues (if we can still access this information), ethnic status, age, etc. The second part of the research would determine what percentage of these offenders would meet the current criteria for each of the correctional program areas.

Research Products:

Validation of assessment tools for DV offenders - TBD
Profile of DV offenders - June 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Offender Programs & Reintegration, Correctional Operations and Programs

Status: Continuance

Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS): 1) Validation of Cutoff Scores; 2) Results of the Pilot of Additional Tools to Screen for low IQ and ADHD

Project Scope & Objectives:

The CoMHISS is a nationally implemented tool to screen for offender mental health problems. Research is needed to determine which cut off scores provide the best estimates of numbers needing further service. Depending on the quality of the data source, the study may provide prevalence rates of major mental disorders based on data from the Pacific region.

Ongoing research is required to establish the reliability and validity of the assessment measures. Initial research in 2009 examined the rates of symptoms of psychological distress among incoming male offenders using various norms and cut off scores. Continued research will assess 1) the sensitivity and specificity of the measure using various cut off scores; 2) establish rates of symptoms for Aboriginal offenders; 3) provide descriptive results on the additional measures on ADHD and cognitive impairment.

Research on the sensitivity and specificity and positive predictive value of the measures will be conducted using the database provided by the RRAC in the Pacific region. Additional data will be drawn from the administration of the SCID and the CoMHISS measures during the Self Harm research. Data on the intellectual assessment measure will be gathered from 5 pilot sites on a limited administration of the Wonderlic with the short-form of the WAIS.

The research will establish norms and cut off scores related to CSC male and female offenders on the mental health screening tools. This allows estimates of the staff and services required to meet the needs of offenders with mental health concerns.

Research Product:

Validation of the CoMHISS tools - June 2010
Report on the tools assessing cognitive function - December 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:
Health Services

Status: Continuance

Results of the Pilot of CoMHISS for FSW

Project Scope & Objectives:

This study will provide the results of the pilot of the CoMHISS for federally sentenced women (FSW). It will report on the rates of psychologically positive symptoms on the two measures (BSI and DHS) in the same way as was completed in the report on the pilot for the male offenders.
The objective is to determine the rates of psychologically positive symptoms among incoming federally sentenced women.

Over the course of the last 18 months, approximately 200 FSW entering CSC on a new warrant of committal completed the CoMHISS where it had been implemented. Some regional reception units were later than others in initiating the pilot so the numbers will not represent the complete population of incoming FSW during this period. The women’s results on the measures in CoMHISS will be presented as the % of women who score at the various identified cut off scores applying various norms (T-Scores of 60 and above, and T-Scores of 65 and above using non patient norms, in-patient norms and out-patient norms). Profiles of the women who completed the CoMHISS and incoming federally sentenced women on new warrants who did not complete the assessment will be compared to determine whether there is a recruitment bias. OMS data and CASA data will be used to profile the population and the sample.

Base rates of mental health symptoms for FSW will contribute to the knowledge base on mental health of federally sentenced women. Combined with the larger study conducted by the Women’s research unit, this will provide estimates of the resources required to addressed the mental health needs of women in CSC.

Research Product:

Results of the CoMISS Pilot on FSW - July 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:
Mental Health; Women's Research, Research Branch

Status: New Project

Foundation Skills for Employment (Joint research with HRSDC)

Project Scope & Objectives:

In a correctional context low literacy can hinder rehabilitation by placing barriers to employment. CSC invests considerable resources into basic adult education programs for offenders. An efficient method for assessing foundation skills levels of offender is required.

A random sample of offenders participating in job readiness training in one region will be given the Canadian Literacy Evaluation Measure (CLE) by institutional staff. The offenders will be retested within 6 months or prior to release to the community. Types of education interventions they participated in during this time will be coded as well as profiling information on the offenders. Instructors will be interviewed to determine their impressions of the value of the measure and the information it provides.

Research Product:

Profile of the foundation skills of offenders at an institution - March 2011
Assessment of impact of participation in training or education program - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

HRSDC; Reintegration Programs (Education): CORCAN

Status: New Project

Corcan Outcome Indicators

Project Scope & Objectives:

CORCAN provides job experience and training to federal offenders, a segment of the Canadian population that has high rates of unemployment. CORCAN is working to develop indicators of successful outcomes from its work and the Research Branch will work with them to assess these indicators.

Analyses of historical data will be used to assess the efficacy of selected outcome indicators.

Research Product:

Indicators assessment results - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

CORCAN, Reintegration Programs, Performance Management

Status: New Project

Monitoring of Offenders with Mental Health Disorders: Outcomes and Correctional Response

Project Scope & Objectives:

There is a need to determine the trajectories of the sentences of seriously mentally disordered (MD) offenders in CSC to determine whether the service responds to their needs in the most effective way.

This study will look at the profile of a sample of seriously MD offenders and track their outcomes relative to a matched comparison group of non MD offenders. The sample is drawn from one identified through the evaluation of the Community Mental Health Initiative. The research will point to whether there are particular behaviours or problems that are more likely to occur among this population indicating that they react to imprisonment and to community supervision differently than do non MD offenders. In turn, the study will examine how the correctional system responds to MD offenders with respect to granting of discretionary release, security placements, treatment provision and technical violations

Research Product:

Offender profile and outcomes for mentally disordered offenders - June 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Health Services

Status: Continuance

Self-harm – Analysis of Self-Harm in Men’s Institutions

Project Scope & Objectives:

Self harming behaviour among incarcerated federal offenders is a serious health and security concern. Research is needed to develop a knowledge base on factors related to initiating these behaviours. The objective is to provide empirically based information that could assist in improving mental health initiatives and interventions to reduce self injurious behaviours among male offenders.

This study will look at characteristics of male offenders in medium and maximum security institutions that have engaged in self-injurious behaviour (SIB) and will assess what situational or motivational factors trigger this behaviour. The study will draw up a profile of those at risk for this behaviour, identify differences between those who self-injure and those who do not, determine why individuals engage in SIB, and to identify circumstances during incarceration that are associated with SIB. Data will be drawn from structured interviews and Offender Management System (OMS) data sources.

This research will create a profile of those at risk for this behaviour, identify differences between those who self-injure and those who do not; ddetermine why individuals engage in SIB, identify circumstances during incarceration that are associated with SIB; if possible, assess prevalence. The research will be summarized in 2 research reports.

Research Product:

Profile of male self-harmers - March 2011
Report on reasons for SIB - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Health Care; Security

Status: Continuance

Self-harm – Analysis of Self-Harm in Women’s Institutions

Project Scope & Objectives:

Self harming behaviour among incarcerated federal offenders is a serious health and security concern. Research is needed to develop a knowledge base on factors related to initiating these behaviours. The objective is to provide empirically based information that could assist in improving mental health initiatives and interventions to reduce self injurious behaviours among women offenders

This research will expand on the current knowledge of self-injurious behaviour among women offenders. It will consider the nature, prevalence, and incidence of self-injurious behaviour while at the same time providing information pertaining to the nature of, impetus of, and pathways to, self-injurious behaviour. Finally, this research will examine the feasibility of an empirically derived self-injurious behaviour classification system for federally sentenced women. Women have been interviewed in all 5 major institutions using structured clinical assessment tools and structured methodology to examine the self harming behaviour. Additional data have been collected from the coding of files.

Research Product:

Qualitative study of women’s motivations for engaging in SIB - July 2010
Prevalence, incidence and nature of SIB in federally sentenced women - October 2010
Comparative study of women offenders - December 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Health Care; Regions (Operations)

Status: Continuance

Co-occurring disorders – Treatment Approaches for Concurrent Disorders (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) in Correctional Settings

Project Scope & Objectives:

The literature suggests that there are high rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders in correctional populations. Research is needed to determine the profile and relative outcomes of offenders who have these combined disorders so that appropriate adaptations to interventions can be considered.

There are two current databases that provide information both on mental disorders and on substance abuse problems. The RRAC database from the Pacific Region and the national database provided by the RPC Prairies research evaluating the Community Mental Health Project will be used to profile the offenders with co-occurring disorders. Their outcomes in the institution, in programs and on release will be explored and compared to offenders without these disorders and with offenders with individual substance abuse disorders or mental health disorders. Results will point to guidance for best practice in working with offenders with these problems.

Research Product:

Profile, treatment and behavioural outcomes of offenders with co-occurring disorders - December 2010
Literature review on recommended treatment approaches - January 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

ARC; Health; and consultation with Centre for Additions and Mental Health and Can. Assoc Substance Abuse.

Status: New Project

Development of a Simulation Model that will more Effectively Predict Offender Population Trends and Characteristic in Order to Improve Corporate Planning

Project Scope & Objectives:

Given the changing policy, demographic, and legislative environment, CSC requires a flexible projection tool capable of generating future population scenarios. The objective of this project is to develop a working, but expandable simulation model. With this model, CSC will be able to estimate the impact of policy interventions or change to legislation and changes to the characteristics of the offender population. The project is in its second phase, i.e., building on the completed offender population simulation model by adding an admissions module and a forecasting module.

The simulation model leverages internal and external data sources, and projects into the future the offender population, and its characteristics. It calculates the likelihood that offenders will "change states" i.e., change security levels, be released (FP, DP, SR), based on certain characteristics such as Aboriginal status, age, gender. It then generates a simulated offender population based on these characteristics. When running the simulation model, users specify "what if" scenarios, such as: an increase in incoming population, or a different proportion of Aboriginal offenders. The output of the model is twofold: a summary of existing offender trends, and a summary of the "simulated offender" population. In the second phase of the project in this fiscal year, the focus is on simulating the characteristics of offenders entering CSC, based largely on provincial demographic and criminal justice characteristics.

The service will have a flexible tool to support research, operational planning, and legislative efforts.

Research Product (& Completion Date):

Expanded model, documentation and a research report to be completed by March, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Corporate Services, Financial Strategies and Analysis.

Status: Continuance

Population Forecasting

Project Scope & Objectives:

Each year Research Branch employs time series forecasting approaches to calculate estimated offender population growth rates.

Growth rates generated this year will go towards two initiatives: 1) Support the National Capital Accommodation and Operations Plan (NCAOP) (as in previous years), 2) support the offender population simulation model.

Projections are completed and provided in February.

Research Product:

Growth rates are often provided internally to Financial Strategies and Analysis. This year they will also be included in a research report.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Financial Strategies and Analysis.

Status: Continuance

Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviour Survey – Women’s Report

Project Scope & Objectives:

This project intended to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviours that can result in blood borne and sexually transmitted infections both before and after admission to CSC. As well as, examine factors that could reduce risk including inmate awareness, utilization of and barriers to health education/promotion and harm reduction program offered by health services.

This report will use data collected in the National Inmate Infectious Disease and Risk Behaviour Survey. All women inmates were invited to participate in the Survey (n=351). Estimates will be provided for all women inmates and differences in the rates of infection and risk-behaviours will also be provided for Aboriginal women.

A report highlighting women’s rates of infectious disease and risk-behaviours will aid in the management of infectious disease through the possible development of targeted interventions aimed at decreasing risk-behaviours and increasing harm-reducing behaviours.

Research Product:

Outcome Research - September 2010

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Public Health Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada

Status: Continuance

Infectious Diseases and Risk Behaviour Survey – Aboriginal Report

Project Scope & Objectives:

This project intended to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviours that can result in blood borne and sexually transmitted infections both before and after admission to CSC. As well as, examine factors that could reduce risk including inmate awareness, utilization of and barriers to health education/promotion and harm reduction program offered by health services.

This report will use data collected in the National Inmate Infectious Disease and Risk Behaviour Survey. A random sample of men participated in the survey (n=3,006). Estimates will focus on the rates of infection and risk-behaviours among Aboriginal male inmates.

A report highlighting the infectious disease and risk-behaviours specific to Aboriginal male inmates will aid in the management of infectious disease through the possible development of targeted interventions aimed at decreasing risk-behaviours and increasing harm-reducing behaviours.

Research Product:

Outcome Research - March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Public Health Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada

Status: Continuance

Relationships between Infectious Disease Testing, Health Risk-Behaviours, and Perceived Risk among Canadian Federal Inmates

Project Scope & Objectives:

Testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections ensures those who are infected receive appropriate treatment and education, including information about how to prevent further spread of their infection. Although newly admitted inmates undergo a health assessment which involves screening for health risk-behaviours (e.g., injection drug use, unprotected sex) and testing for HIV/HCV infections, it is unclear whether those inmates at risk for infection are being tested.

This research will analyze data collected in the 2007 National Inmate Infectious Diseases and Risk-Behaviours survey, a self-administered paper questionnaire completed by a large sample of Canadian federal inmates (n=3,370). This survey asked inmates about their health risk-behaviours, self-perceived risk for infection, and HIV/HCV testing at CSC. Consequently, relationships between self-reported risk-behaviours, perceived risk of infection, and testing can be examined. Analyses will be conducted for men and women separately, and differences by Aboriginal self-identification will be highlighted.

This research will provide insight into the effectiveness of CSC’s screening and testing procedures. For example, if inmates at high-risk for infection are not being consistently tested, the reasons why they are not tested (e.g., lack of perceived risk, not being offered the test) may assist CSC in refining its screening, testing, and education programs.

Research Product:

Outcome research - June 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Health Services Sector

Status: Continuance

Analysis of CSC’s Infectious Diseases Surveillance System

Project Scope & Objectives:

Recent, comprehensive information on the health risk-behaviours (e.g., injection drug use, unprotected sex), testing patterns and infection status of offenders entering CSC institutions helps inform policies, programming, and resource requirements. Further, it allows for an evaluation of the accuracy of self-reported data.

Analyses will be conducted using CSC’s Infectious Diseases Surveillance System which captures information on health risk-behaviours, and infectious disease testing and results. All analyses will be conducted separately for men and women, and will highlight differences by Aboriginal self-identification.

Implications include: greater information about the health risk-behaviours of offenders; a better understanding of the accuracy of self-reported infection status as compared to biological testing; information on whether offenders at risk for infection are tested at CSC; and, information regarding the validity of self-reported risk-behaviours. Specifically, offenders who test positive for blood-borne and sexually transmitted diseases should report significantly higher rates of risk-behaviours compared to offenders who test negative; otherwise, the accuracy of self-reported risk-behaviours are questionable.

Research Product (& Completion Date):

Outcome Research - October 2010.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Health Services Sector

Status: New Project

Population Profile Studies (Changing offender population, changing aboriginal offender population, community population profile, etc.)

Project Scope & Objectives:

The federal inmate and community population undergoes changes over time in terms of volume of admissions, custody population, and their specific characteristics and related needs. Population profile studies keep CSC abreast of the changes and enhance our ability to be proactive in the face of these changes.

There are three separate initiatives under this umbrella. First, the regular profile report is generated. Second, the simulation model has a profiling component that needs to be developed. Third, in collaboration with Performance Assurance, scripts for the profile will be aligned with internal online data administrative tools. These scripts will then be made available for use; in future removing labour intensive internal adhoc requests.

The changing offender profile has proven to be useful tool in planning for, and managing the federal offender population. A review, and alignment of the profile with other internal profiling tools will allow for a common voice with performance assurance, reduce time spent manipulating and retrieving data (thus increasing time spent on analysis). Further weaving existing approaches to profiling the offender population in with the simulation model allows for a more consistent means of developing future population scenarios.

The changing offender profile will be prepared and disseminated as a research report this fiscal year. The related review of existing profile initiatives within CSC, and alignment, will begin in this fiscal, with a pilot small online profile. Further alignments and expansions will be established in future phases, based on success of the initiative and available resources.

Research Product:
Changing Offender Profile Report - March, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Performance Assurance, CJIL Team.

Status: Continuance

"Finding their Way" - Documenting the Experiences of Women Offenders Substance Abuse Program Participants as they Return to the Community

Project Scope & Objectives:

Research demonstrates that substance abuse is a central risk factor for return to custody among women offenders. CSC implemented the Women Offender Substance Abuse Programming (WOSAP) in 2003 to combat the problem of addiction among women offenders. A quantitative report underscored the importance of institutional treatment programs for those with moderate to severe addictions as well as the positive impact of community-based aftercare in ensuring that women remain in the community. What is missing is an elaboration of what specific conditions help a woman lead a successful and productive life in the community. This research project is aimed at addressing this question.

This qualitative piece of research explores meanings of ‘success’ through the personal experiences and perceptions of women offenders using qualitative interviews. Structured interviews will provide additional information on timing before entry into community treatment, socio-demographic information, incarceration and treatment history, access to medical services, health conditions, housing and religiosity. The perceptions of community treatment facilitators on what constitutes and contributes to success among female offenders and how they see/define their role in this process will also be explored. Aboriginal women may be included in the sample.

Project commenced in 2009 and interviews are near completion. Steps for FY 2010/2011 include transcription and analysis of qualitative data and preparation of a Research Report.

Research Product:

Qualitative Research Study Report – November, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: Continuance

Community Follow-up of Offenders Participating in CSC’s Methadone Maintenance Program

Project Scope & Objectives:

This project builds upon previous research on institutional MMT participation by examining post-release behaviour and outcomes among individuals who had participated in MMT programming while incarcerated and continued MMT in the community, as well as those who commenced MMT in the community only (i.e., did not participate in the institutional program), and those who had participated during incarceration only.
Outcome measures will include continued participation or commencement of MMT in the community, employment and education, etc. This study will begin with a determination of feasibility by building on existing data at selected sites such as the Toronto and Vancouver Parole Offices. Aboriginal offenders may be included in the sample.
Research Product:

Outcome Research Report - July 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Community Research Unit (Jeff Abracen), selected Parole Offices, Health Care (National OST Coordinator, Regional Community OST Coordinator, etc.)

Status: Continuance

Implementation of the Women’s Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (W-CASA)

Project Scope & Objectives:

The W-CASA will provide the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) with a comprehensive, multidimensional tool for establishing the severity of Women Offender’s substance abuse problems and make this information readily accessible to decision-makers for the purposes of forecasting population trends, and planning and developing policy responses to changing population profiles.

IMS is responsible for completing the development of the W-CASA. Following a pilot period of the system for a 2-3-month period at one site, it will be gradually rolled-out to all women’s facilities. The ARC will be responsible for ongoing W-CASA data management. This data set will include Aboriginal women.

Technical development of the W-CASA will be completed during the 09/10 FY and a pilot of the system will commence at Nova Institution in April, 2010. During the 10/11 FY the plan is to implement W-CASA nationally at all women’s institutions.

Research Product:

Screening tool (implemented at all sites)- November, 2010
Continued implementation – September, 2012

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Women Offender Sector (WOS), IMS

Status: Continuance

An Examination of Prescription Drug Use and Diversion for Non-Medical Use in Prison

Project Scope & Objectives:

Use and abuse of prescription drugs among the offender population was identified during consultations with staff as an emerging and growing issue. This project will investigate the degree to which prescription drug use and abuse is an issue among the federal offender population, the ways in which abuse occurs, the methods used and the ability to detect prescription drugs within the correctional setting.

This project will begin with a literature review, followed by an examination and analysis of existing databases, such as assessment, search and seizure, urinalysis and potentially regional pharmacy data and/or coded data from paper-based health care files, to explore the issue of prescription drug use and abuse. Options for possible collaboration with and funding for the project by Health Canada are also being explored. This may lead to a broader research initiative with potential for additional projects. It should be noted that Aboriginal offenders may be included in the sample(s).

Research Product:

Literature review - July 2010
Consultation – October 2010
Exploratory study - TBD (dependent upon discussion with Health Canada partners).

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Health Canada, CSC Health Services

Status: New Project

Examination of Recent Trends in Urinalysis Data and Substance Abuse Among Federal Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

Urinalysis is a primary interdiction tool used by CSC to monitor the presence of drugs in institutions. The aim of the study is to report on trends in urinalysis data and substance use among federal offenders over the previous 10 years.

The study will use existing data on the urinalysis program and build on previous research efforts and analyses conducted on the database in 2002-2004.

Research Product:

Trends in institutional urinalysis results – August, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Multi-Site Demonstration Study to Explore the Effectiveness of Interdiction Practices (i.e., ion scanners, drug dogs, search and seizure practices, random urinalysis program)

Project Scope & Objectives:

Drug interdiction has been identified as a high priority for the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) in several key recent reports including the “Report of the CSC Review Panel: A Roadmap to Strengthening Public” (2007). Building on a review of international interdiction practices (2009/2010) and the work of the interdiction pilot at Kingston Penitentiary (2009/2010), this study will examine the impact of modifying/strengthening interdiction practices (e.g., use of drug dogs, ion scanners, searches) in a controlled way at multiple sites. In addition, methods of data collection around interdiction practices will be reviewed with the aim of providing recommendations for improving data and information in this area.

A large part of the preparatory work for the study will be to examine the measurement and recording of drug interdiction activities and make recommendations regarding national data collection. Implementation of the study would involve working with 4-5 sites in one region to modify/strengthen a specific interdiction practices at each site (following a baseline period of data collection) and then examine the post-implementation impact of the modifications made.

Preparatory work to commence in June, 2010 with data collection commencing in the Fall/Winter of 2010.

Research Product:

Outcome research study - June, 2012

Collaboration and/or Partners:

COP Sector

Status: New Project

Characteristics, Institutional Adjustment and Substance Abuse Programming Outcomes Among Pharmaceutical Drug Abusers, Illicit Drug Abusers and Alcohol Abusers.

Project Scope & Objectives:

Recent empirical evidence suggests that licit (prescription) drug abuse is a growing problem within Canada and that individuals abusing licit drugs are markedly different from those abusing illicit drugs. Furthermore, previous research indicates that drug abusers and alcohol abusers differ in their criminal history, demographics, etc. Given the expected differences between these sub-groups of offenders, the aim of this research is to investigate possible differences between these sub-groups in terms of their demographics, criminal history, institutional adjustment and participation in programs, including outcomes. This research will contribute to an understanding of possible responsivity factors and assist in determining optimal operational and management practices for these sub-groups.

This project would use CASA data to classify male offenders into one of three groups on the basis of their primary drug of choice: pharmaceutical drug abusers, illicit drug abusers, and alcohol abusers. These three groups would be compared on demographics, criminal history, risk/need and indicators of institutional adjustment such as misconducts, urinalysis results, transfers, etc. Furthermore, these offenders could be compared on substance abuse program participation. If feasible, measures of post-release outcome may also be compared. Further break-down of results by more specific drug of choice within each category may also occur. It should be noted that Aboriginal male offenders may be included in the sample.

Research Product:

Profile and report on trends - February, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Profiling the Substance Abuse Histories of Male Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

The Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (CASA) is an automated, bilingual assessment instrument that identifies the treatment needs of offenders with a substance abuse problem. The CASA also provides a wealth of information with respect to offenders’ substance use patterns, treatment history, injection drug use, use during incarceration, etc.

This project would involve resurrecting prior work done on creating profiles of male offenders using CASA data. In addition, continuing to ensure that one-pagers are produced using the CASA database would enable the ARC to provide meaningful, up-to-date information to internal and external audiences. Furthermore, the creation of a template for sharing CASA information with front-line CSC staff (e.g. health services, program, case management, correctional officers) would allow individuals involved in assessment, treatment and administration of offenders to gain useful information concerning the population and their substance use histories. Producing information primarily directed at front-line staff for dissemination twice annually would ensure that CSC staff realizes the importance of the CASA and the information that it collects.

In addition, the ARC has historical CLAI data (N = 9,276). This data could be used to compare samples of offenders who completed the CLAI or the CASA (N = 10,845) and examine changes in trends with respect to substance use over time.

This project would use the existing CASA and CLAI databases to produce offender profiles and examine changes in trends with respect to substance abuse over time.

Research Product:

Profile and report on trends -June, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Development of Substance Abuse Typologies Among Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

Previous research has identified typologies of substance abusers. The characteristics of these sub-groups of substance abusers have been found to differ to a degree which suggests a need for programs and services tailored to their specific needs. To increase CSC’s understanding of possible unique characteristics of different subtypes of substance abusing offenders, this research will identify typologies of substance abusers, examine their key characteristics and determine their level of institutional adjustment, program success, and post-release outcome.

This project would use CASA data to develop substance abuse typologies among male offenders by submitting selected measures to cluster analysis. Based upon the typologies, comparisons between groups on demographic, risk/need and criminal history, etc. will be examined. In addition, where possible, mental health indicators will be included in comparisons and in the development of typologies. These groups could then be further compared on measures of institutional behaviour, post-release behaviour and possibly substance abuse treatment outcomes. It is expected that the typologies developed will be consistent with those found by Lightfoot and Hodgins in 1993. Male Aboriginal offenders will be included in the sample.

Research Product:

Profile and report on trends and outcome - September, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Assessing Correctional Needs of Inuit Peoples

Project Scope & Objectives:

The aim of the project is to identify needs and relevant areas of future research on federally-sentenced Inuit offenders and the needs of Inuit peoples in a federal correctional setting with the aim of enhancing their reintegration potential.

The project will involve interviewing federally-sentenced Inuit offenders as well as consulting with key stakeholders across the country.

Pending approval, offender interviews and initial stakeholder consultations to commence in Spring/Summer, 2010.

Research Product:

Consultation report (preliminary report) - June, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Aboriginal Initiatives Branch

Status: New Project 

Employment Needs Assessment for Aboriginal Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

The aim of the project is to identify the employment training needs of federally-sentenced Aboriginal offenders. Identifying these need areas will assist in the development of appropriate career development programs and strategies and, in turn, contribute to enhancing the reintegration potential of Aboriginal offenders.

The project will involve interviewing federally-sentenced Aboriginal offenders, staff members and consulting with key stakeholders across the country.

Pending approval, offender interviews and initial stakeholder consultations to commence in Spring/Summer, 2010.
 
Research Product:

Consultation report (preliminary report) - June, 2011.

Collaboration and/or Partners:

CORCAN, Aboriginal Initiatives Branch

Status: New Project

Aboriginal Offender Substance Abuse Program: An Examination of Cultural Engagement and Outcomes

Project Scope & Objectives:

Research has been completed (in press) on AOSAP which examined the effects of successful AOSAP completion on post-release outcomes. However, the investigation into the extent to which skills were developed and/or cultural engagement was achieved has not as yet been completed.The aim of this research is to examine the degree to which measures of cultural engagement are related to treatment outcomes.

With Elder observations and pre/post data received on the AOSAP program, this research will look at these tools and see how treatment performance and the extent of cultural engagement affect post-program outcomes among the Aboriginal offenders who participated in the program. Additionally, the following questions will be addressed: How well did pre/post measurement predict post program outcomes?  How useful are culturally appropriate measures as a predictor tool?  How well did client satisfaction predict outcomes?

Research Product:

Outcome Research Report - July 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Integration of Substance Abuse (CASA), Mental Health (COMHISS) and FASD Screening Tool

Project Scope & Objectives:

At the present time, substance abuse and mental health issues are assessed separately at intake to CSC. In order to establish a more integrated approach to the issue of concurrent mental health and substance abuse disorders as well as to reduce redundancies (e.g., the use of similar instruments), it is important to examine the feasibility of integrating the CASA and COMHISS tools. In addition, to build on work done on screening for FASD, the inclusion of questions related to risk for FASD as part of this integrated approach will also be explored.

In consultation with the Programs Research group and Mental Health Operations, to continue consultation and work towards the development of an integrated screening tool for mental health, addictions, cognitive functioning and FASD. This will include both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal male offenders.

Research Product:

Screening tool / system- February, 2012 (Project is ongoing and is related to timeframes for the re-development of the CASA, which will be commencing in FY 2010/11 in collaboration with IMS).

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Programs Research group, Mental Health Operations, IMS

Status: Continuance

A Study to Examine Promising Approaches to Intervening with Adults with FASD and Other Neurological Disorders in a Correctional Setting

Project Scope & Objectives:

Building on previous and ongoing research related to FASD and the prevalence of neurological disorders among offenders, the aim of this researchis to identify emerging and promising interventions for adults who have deficits in cognitive and adaptive functioning. This knowledge is important in order to determine the types of approaches and interventions that are effective with these offenders.

The study will begin with a literature review to identify emerging and promising interventions for adults who have FASD and other neurological disorders as well as consultation with external experts in the area.

Research Product:

Literature review - May, 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: New Project

Validation of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Brief Screen Checklist (BSC)

Project Scope & Objectives:

Building on previous and ongoing research related to the development of an FASD screening tool and to determine prevalence of FASD, the aim of this research is to pilot the BSC in Quebec in an addictions treatment population in collaboration with partners at the University of Montreal and the University of Sherbrooke (who will be the project leads). The information gained from this project will add information on the performance of the screening tool and enable CSC to use this data to assist in the validation of the BSC.

The study will begin with methodology development and ethics review of methodology. The BSC and CSC pilot study methodology will be followed closely to ensure consistent data in order for databases to be merged after data collection in Quebec and to enhance our ability to validate the screening tool using statistical methods. It should be noted that the ARC is a collaborator in this research and the main role of ARC staff is to provide access to the BSC and screening protocol, input into research design and analyses.

Development of methodology and ethics submission Spring/Summer 2010, data collection fall 2010, analysis and report writing winter 2011. ARC staff to provide consultation on these elements and will not be leading the work.

Research Product:

Validation of the FASD screening tool on a non-correctional population - September , 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

Dr. Louise Nadeau (Professor, University of Montreal) and Dr. Marianne Saint-Jacques (Professor, University of Sherbrooke)

Status: New Project

Women and FASD: Examination of the Feasibility of Creating an FASD Screening Tool for Women Offenders

Project Scope & Objectives:

Previous work on screening for FASD in the offender population has focused on male offenders. The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a need to revise the FASD screening tool piloted with men for use with women offenders.

This project is currently underway (Phase I) with a literature review on the behavioural characteristics of women offenders with FASD. The goal of this literature review is to determine if there is a need to revise the FASD screening tool developed for male offenders already piloted at Stony Mountain Institution for use with women offenders. As part of the literature review, expert consultation will be sought to review and provide feedback on the literature review. Work in the new fiscal year FY 10/11 (Phase II) will focus on the development of the women offenders’ screening tool, based on the feedback from the literature review and expert consultation. In addition, development of the methodology to pilot the screening tool at a women’s institution will be completed.

Research Product:

Literature review and consultation report - June 2010
Revised screening tool for Pilot - May 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

N/A

Status: Continuance

National Summer Institute on Addictions

Project Scope & Objectives:

The National Summer Institute (NSI) on Addictions is a biannual conference that is jointly organized by the Addictions Research Centre (ARC) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). The aim of the NSI is to provide information on evidence-based research and approaches to service integration and knowledge transfer in the area of addictions. It is targeted towards professionals who work in the areas of substance abuse, health, mental health, social services, criminal justice, and corrections.

The 2010 NSI is being held in Stanhope, P.E.I. from July 11 -15th. The theme is "Building Bridges: Justice, Addictions and Mental Health". The curriculum will explore assessment, treatment and aftercare in the contexts of offenders, women, First Nations, and concurrent disorders.

The NSI curriculum and program has been developed and speakers have been identified and confirmed. The bulk of the work in 2010/11 will be to plan the logistics around the event (registration, bursaries, travel and accommodation arrangements for speakers, materials, etc) prior to it’s delivery in July, 2010.

Knowledge Mobilization

Research Product:

The NSI will be held in Stanhope, PEI, July 11-15, 2010.
Follow-up report – March 2011

Collaboration and/or Partners:

The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)

Status: New Project